Otto Addo Emphasizes Team Cohesion Over Individual Brilliance Ahead of Unity Cup
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo says Ghana is shifting its focus from individual flair to team cohesion as the national team gears up for the 2025 Unity Cup in London.
The four-nation tournament, which features Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, will serve as a strategic build-up for the Black Stars as they look to solidify their identity ahead of future competitions, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Addo underlined the importance of developing a balanced and competitive squad, noting that building a strong team dynamic is central to his long-term vision.
“Our aim is to create competition within the team, which can only be achieved by providing an equal platform for all our talents to showcase their skills,” Addo stated.
The Ghana coach has named a 23-man squad that includes five debutants—Joseph Tetteh Anang, Aaron Essel, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Aziz Issah, and Mohammed Gaddafi Fuseini—rewarding their impressive performances at club level and in youth internationals.
Addo explained that the decision to bring in new faces reflects his commitment to long-term team development.
“We’re looking beyond individuals and focusing on building a strong team. That’s why I’ve decided to give many of these young players a chance to play and prove themselves,” he added.
Several high-profile players including Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Antoine Semenyo have been left out of the squad, with most ruled out due to minor injuries or given time to rest after long seasons.
The Unity Cup provides a valuable opportunity for Ghana to test its depth and assess new talent in a competitive environment. The Black Stars will kick off their campaign with a clash against long-time rivals Nigeria on Wednesday, May 28, at the Gtech Community Stadium in West London.
The winner of that semifinal will progress to the final on Saturday, May 31, while the losing team will battle for third place.